CD release in Montgomery has local link

Montgomery, Ala., musician Terry Faust released his self-titled CD, “The Grave Tender,” Saturday at the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery. The album was produced by Allen Delk of Columbus. Faust volunteers his time to maintain the gravesites of Hank and Audrey Williams.Photo by: Allen Delk Management/Courtesy photo

A CD release in Montgomery, Ala., Saturday boasted a local connection. Montgomery musician Terry Faust launched his CD, "The Grave Tender," produced by Allen Delk of Allen Delk Management in Columbus. The release was in conjunction with Hank Williams Day, a commemoration of what would have been the late country music icon's 89th birthday.

The album's title is no stretch. Faust voluntarily maintains the graves of Hank and Audrey Williams in Montgomery, an honor he took on after the 2010 passing of Cecil Jackson, founder of the Hank Williams Museum.

By the time Faust was 6, his mother had introduced him to the music of Hank Williams Sr. While other kids were out playing, Faust, who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was listening to the country singer's lyrics. By the age of 21, Faust had written his first song. His album is a tribute to Williams' influence.

"I'm very proud to have produced this album for Terry and the Hank Williams Museum," said Delk. "Kyle Landas has done an outstanding job with the pictures in the design, and many thanks to Winston Boulware at Big Wheel Studios in the mix."

Hank Williams Day observances Saturday began with a wreath-laying at Oakwood Cemetery. Other activities included a museum and collectors' fair and live music.

For more information about the Hank Williams museum in Montgomery, go to TheHankWilliamsMuseum.com.

A limited quantity of Faust's CDs will be available in Columbus at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St.